Working in a job with irregular shifts- missing out on my little boy growing up.

[Woodenmouse]

I was planning on training as a midwife before I found out I was expecting my little boy. I would still like to go back to uni to train but I am worried about the hours I would be required to work after I graduate as I feel the shift work would mean I miss out on important parts of my little boys life. I have been offered a good job with good hours by my current employer when I decide to go back to work but it is not something I am particularly passion about. I am torn between a job I have wanted for a long time and a job with good hours. My husband also works odd hours as a chef which makes things even more difficult. I would love some advise about what to do.

No, you'll be fine. As long as you're still working the same amount of hours as you would otherwise you won't miss out at all.

I used to work shifts and loved it as I could spend the whole day with DS and then go to work in the evening when it was time for him to go to sleep.

At another point I worked 16 hour shifts which meant I only worked 2-3 days per week so had 4-5 while days to spend with him.

To be honey I feel like I'm missing out more now that I'm 9-5 as I only get to pick them up, have dinner and the it's bedtime.

I have nearly always worked shift work and found I had more time with the kids than when I did 9 5.
I much prefer doing shifts.

I never missed a sports day, patents evening,or anything of importance.

Now the boys are offer I still prefer shifts.

I have worked shifts incl night duty and sleepovers since DS was 5, he's now 9.
There are weeks I feel I never see him esp working weekends but I am also able to take him to school some days which I couldn't in my old 9-5.
I can also get to open days, school plays etc on days off without using up holidays.
Fact you and DH work irregular hours could be awkward but could also save on childcare costs.
You will be student until he is at nursery and provided you can study when he is in bed, uni creche etc you will end up spending more time with him than 9-5.

Woodenmouse this is my dilemma too. It's not the missing out on my dd's, it's the childcare issue. My dh has always worked long hours and I've been looking for work, and most of it is shift work, it still doesn't work out well childcare wise, as we'd have no one to pick up dd's from nursery in the evening.

It would be a nightmare logistically.